reporter: but today, in a phone conversation with the president, rice bowed out, saying as she told nbc news that she was saddened things had reached this point. >> ...because i didn't want to see a confirmation process that was very prolonged, very politicized, very distracting and very disruptive. >> reporter: president obama accepted her withdrawal, then said her decision demonstrates the strength of her character and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first. the president said he was grateful rice would continue to serve at the u.n. and that he regretted the attacks on her. scott, when rice failed to win over critics like republican john mccain and lindsey graham, in private, her chances for confirmation withered away. >> pelley: bill, thank you. bob schieffer is our chief washington correspondent and anchor of "face the nation." bob, the president said it's unfair. why did ambassador rice withdraw? >> reporter: well, i'll tell you, scott, susan rice really had no choice, nor did the administration. key senate republicans q